Fire Prevention Week, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity for all Americans to learn
more about how to avoid fires, as well as how to best respond in case
of such an emergency. By making fire safety a priority, we can help
limit the devastating effects of fires and enhance the safety of our
citizens.

A large majority of fire deaths in the United States occur in the
home. This year's theme, "It's Fire Prevention Week: Test Your Smoke
Alarms," reflects the importance of installing and maintaining working
smoke alarms on every floor of the home. As vital early warning
systems, smoke alarms reduce the chances of a fire becoming fatal by
approximately 50 percent. Americans can also take steps to reduce the
chance of a fire ever starting. These include using electrical devices
safely, avoiding overloading circuits, and carefully operating stoves,
fireplaces, and space heaters. We should also supervise our children
and educate them about the dangers of lighters and matches, exercise
care in the storing of firewood and other flammable materials, and obey
local burning laws. More information about these and other measures is
available from the National Fire Protection Association and the
Department of Homeland Security's United States Fire Administration.

Firefighters are among our greatest heroes, and they risk their
lives each day to protect our citizens and our homeland. All Americans
owe them a debt of gratitude for their courage and dedication. By
working to prevent disasters and by being prepared, we support
firefighters as they serve communities across our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 3 through
October 9, 2004, as Fire Prevention Week. I call upon the people of
the United States to observe this week with appropriate activities and
to undertake efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.